Damn, I got some ideas flowing for this so you guys better like it, haha!
Some Notes: I realized that the tournament was supposed to be the day after everyone met Pan... well, obviously, I'm changing that and extending a few days, lol. Also, things will be changed during the tournament and I'll explain that later on.
Enjoy!
Containing Thy Self- Chapter Six
Brief's Household- Dining Area- 6:52 PM
Clattering of dishes, undistinguishable requests and loud chewing was heard throughout the otherwise peaceful atmosphere during the dinner hour. Piles of empty bowls grew as the servants quickly walked back and forth from the kitchen to replenish the endless appetites deriving from the males in the room.
Mirai profusely thanked every servant that placed a dish in front of him, earning him some appreciative smiles and just barely noticeable better treatment, such as asking if needed another napkin or a fresh pair of chopsticks. This didn't escape Trunks' attention, apparently determined to watch the older man's every action for reasons only known to him, as he frowned in annoyance.
Huffing to himself, the purple-haired boy forced himself to look at his companion who has yet to go home. Goten, now with rice sticking all over the bottom portion of his face, didn't perceive the stare he was receiving, instead wholly focusing on the delicious meal that was set out in front of him. Trunks sighed, sneaking another look at his look-alike across the table, watching as Mirai helped Bulla hold her chopsticks properly.
Vegeta, seated at the front end of the table (AKA the reserved 'man of the house' spot), while didn't stop munching, also did not let anything unusual evade from his sight. Through chicken legs, he observed his (younger) son's reactions to the other Trunks, quirking an eyebrow at the curious actions. Fists clenching involuntarily, pursed lips, slowing of eating; all signs of frustrations yet without reason.
Placing his utensils down, the former prince leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest almost majestically. With a strong clearing of his throat, all actions slowly ceased, especially after Trunks whacked Goten in the arm to catch his attention. The flame-haired warrior tossed a displeased look towards the pair before returning his attention to the general population of the table in whole.
"As you know, the tournament is coming up in two days. Kakarot and his brat here," Goten pouted at the insult, "along with the little tyke, will be entering. Therefore, myself along with you, Trunks," He eyes shifted towards the short-haired boy. "will also be taking part."
"What about him?" Trunks asked, pointing his chopsticks insolently towards Mirai. "He should enter; he's a fighter."
Mirai blinked when he realized all attention was on him. "I-I really don't think I should. I mean, I would probably just get in the way. Besides, it's obvious that you guys are much stronger than me-"
"Enough!" Vegeta cut in forcefully, his scowl deepening. "While you're not obligated, I would strongly advise you to do so, considering that you most likely won't have these sort of things occurring during your own time."
Mirai winced, looking away harshly.
"Huh!?" Trunks called out, crudely slamming a hand on the wooden top. "Why doesn't he have to? If he doesn't participate, then neither will I!"
"Shut it boy. Enter or I'll cut your allowance in half!" Vegeta threatened, his crossed arms tensing up in irritation. "Don't be such a pain in the ass!"
"Vegeta!" Bulma called out, tossing him a look while covering Bulla's ears
The short-haired flinched; miffed at the callous tone he was receiving. Goten looked at his friend sympathetically, patting his shoulder in solace.
"I'll enter." Mirai spoke up, his words surprising the others. "Don't worry Trunks, I'll participate alongside with you and the rest."
Trunks stared at the man suspiciously, offering no looks of appreciation. Refocusing his gaze elsewhere, he found his father staring at him as well. The former prince raised an eyebrow, tossing his head towards the long, purple-haired being. The boy could also feel his black-haired friend gazing at him from the side, waiting for him to say something.
Biting the inside of his cheek, Trunks mumbled a 'thanks' before quickly excusing himself, tapping Goten on the head to follow. The younger boy stood up; laughing nervously and bowing his gratitude for the food, pouncing after the short-haired boy.
Mirai watched them leave, feeling a sense of tension slowly lifting off his shoulders, yet he felt unsatisfactory. Blinking when he felt a soft, warm touch covering his exposed hand, Mirai glanced over at the owner's wide blue eyes and grateful features.
Bulma patted his rough, calloused hand. "Thank you Trunks. Even if he doesn't act like it, he does appreciate it. In fact, he probably thinks of this as a playful type of challenge, you know?" The blue-haired woman grinned, releasing her hold.
Mirai smiled tentatively, opened his mouth to respond if wasn't interrupted by a scraping of a chair on his other side. Tossing his glance over, the younger man watched as his father (in one way or another) stood from his seat and returned the look.
"Tomorrow morning, eight o'clock. No excuses." With that, he tossed his napkin on the table and took his leave.
"Oh, did Vegeta challenge you?" Bulma questioned offhandedly, crossing her arms, unintentionally copying her husband in attitude. "Really, some things never change with that man."
Mirai chuckled, smiling as he patted Bulla on the head as she took her leave as well. "Well, I wasn't really expecting anything else, I must admit. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be training so I have some chance of coming back alive."
If it were any other time, Bulma would've been rather galled at the words, but she was well aware that he was rather trying to lighten up the mood, not referring to the past. She also saw this as a forced attempt for Mirai to comfort himself that he was in no danger, unlike his time where he was constantly watching his back.
She smiled as he left the room, then sighed heavily, thinking about the growing hostility her younger son gives off towards his look-alike. In a way, the comforting words she gives to Mirai were to assure her as well. While she knows Trunks and is well conscious of his spoiled manner, the older woman had hopes that Trunks would perhaps find the idea of another him somewhat fascinating, if not exciting.
She didn't apprehend that despite the nearly identical physical traits the two Trunks share, they couldn't have been more opposites in personality.
Brief's Household- Outside of Training Facility/Gravity Room- 8:31 PM
Stripped down to loose-fitting pants, boots and his trademark, slim-fitting black tank top, Mirai made his way down the corridor, ready to press the button at the side of the door for entrance, if it weren't for the sounds of voices floating nearby. Hovering his hand over the switch, the long-haired man remained still, waiting for the possessors of the voices came into sight.
The black-haired boy was laughing boisterously over something unknown, pausing in his tracks, causing Trunks to bump into him, once he came across Mirai standing stiffly, as if he was waiting for something. Which he kind was, but that's aside from the point. Goten broke into a wide, toothy grin, almost gleefully bouncing over to the older man, much to Trunks' exasperation.
"Hey Trunks, what are you up to?" The youngest one asked, making his way to his side. "Does the door not work or something?"
Mirai blinked, realizing that his hand was still lingering over the button and quickly brought it down. "No! I mean... I heard you guys coming so I just... didn't go in yet." He trailed off, scratching the side of his face with a finger.
Trunks snorted, arms crossed and looking away. Goten ignored him and patted the older man on the shoulder. "Well, hey, we should hang out. What are you up to tomorrow?"
"Aside from avoiding getting killed by Vegeta, I suppose not much." Mirai replied wirily, a slight smirk appearing. "Considering everything that happened so far was ridiculously unpredictable, I decided just sit back and see what comes up next."
The black-haired boy laughed, catching the underlying humor. "Sounds like a plan. Well then, I will unpredictably ambush you tomorrow at some given point during the day, so be unprepared for it." Smacking him on the back, he grinned madly, waving as the two teenagers continued their way down the hallway. Trunks opted to remain silence, following Goten without a notion towards the older man.
Mirai watched solemnly, frowning at Trunks's retreating back. Resisting the urge to sigh, he pressed the switch, allowing it to light up immediately, resulting in the door to slide open with a slight breeze coming through.
Brief's Household- Training Facility/Gravity Room- 7:53 AM- Next Day
Taking a deep breath, holding it and releasing, Mirai willed himself to stay calm. This is not going to be a serious fight. Or so he hoped. Just remember your training. Remember how you fought the androids. Fought Cell. Don't hesitate. Don't hold back. Don't ever hold back...
Snapping his head up at the sound of the door sliding, Mirai watched precariously as his supposed father walked inside. Vegeta had a look of wariness, not out of nervousness, but most likely due to Mirai's sudden change in attitude.
"All right brat." He began, taking a place on the opposite side of the room. "Hope you're ready and don't even think about holding back."
"I wasn't." Mirai growled, positioning himself. The older man quirked an eyebrow, seemingly becoming his trademark reaction as of late, but said nothing.
A sudden whoosh sounded beside, as the younger Trunks popped in unannounced. Noticing his father's questioning gaze, he quickly looked away. "I... wanted to watch." Chewing on his bottom lip, he leaned against the wall, hands in his pant pockets.
Mirai barely spared him a glance, preparing himself for the oncoming onslaught he knew was going to occur. And he wasn't to be dissatisfied.
Vegeta, understanding that Mirai was more than ready, although perhaps not in the right state of mind, immediately flew forward in a vanishing act, reappearing in front of the younger man with a fist heading for the side of the face. Mirai reacted hastily by blocking with the use of his arm, yet the force caused him to slide back a few feet. Grunting, he whipped his arm to the side, breaking Vegeta's attack, swooping down to swing his leg.
Vegeta easily evaded the attack, pouncing back gracefully, but not without retaliation. Hand out, he swiftly gathered up small amounts of ki, whipping them at the purple-haired boy, who moved off to the side to dodge. Sliding into a stop behind the older man, Trunks created a couple signs with his hands, firing an attack, which the flame-haired warrior sliced in half easily, the remaining ki dissolving in the air.
Trunks observed from the side, readying his body to dodge any unintentional attacks that may come his way. He said nothing, but intently studied not his father, but his look-alike's moves. He wanted to say that the Mirai Trunks was moving along with an elegance of a cat, but he was rigid. His attacks were rapid, almost with the intent to kill. The short-haired boy could almost taste the tension and frustration coming off of him, as he struggled against his evidently more powerful father.
Trunks was well-aware that Vegeta was holding back, for Mirai's sake. Mirai had to see it as well, which could be the reasoning for his aggravation. The long-haired man knew that Vegeta was not fighting with as much strength as necessary for the time traveler, which, to anyone with Saiyan blood, was seen as an insult. Holding back was hand-in-hand with pitying someone. It was an offensive move during battle, expressing the knowledge of the opponent being weaker without words.
Snapping his head up upon hearing a loud crash, Trunks watched as Mirai crumpled into the dent in the wall due to the force of Vegeta's blows. But as quickly as he collided, the younger fighter jumped to his feet without faltering, striking back. The short-haired boy had to admit that, despite the apparent fact that Mirai was weaker of the two, he was holding up a good fight. Probably better than he would've done. No, Mirai was, without doubt, fighting at a much more advanced level than he ever had.
This realization made him sick to the stomach.
Yes, another finished chapter! Hope you guys liked it and please review for anything you think should be changed, added, etc.!